Virginia Beach, the most populated city in Virginia, is home to more than 459,000 residents, about 13.7% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia impact an increasing share of seniors every year; this is especially true across the Virginia Beach area, where these diseases claim dozens of lives on an annual basis. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Virginia Beach increased from 90 in 2014 to 149 in 2018, an increase of 65.5%. In comparison, the overall death rate in Virginia Beach rose just 2.9%, indicating that Alzheimer’s disease is becoming an increasingly dire concern for the city.
Fortunately, there are many memory care providers in the Virginia Beach area that care for seniors in a way that limits the progression of dementia, reducing the incidence of common symptoms such as confusion, wandering and memory loss. Memory care facilities, which are assisted living facilities that offer specialized dementia care services, keep seniors from wandering, for example, through around-the-clock supervision, keycard-protected external doorways and controlled outdoor environments.
This memory care guide includes topics such as Alzheimer’s-specific resources for seniors, local memory care costs and a cost-benefit analysis of retiring in Virginia Beach.
Memory Care Facilities in Virgina Beach, VA
5417 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455
The Waterford at Virginia Beach is located in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia, with convenient access to numerous options for shops, dining and entertainment. Residents enjoy the facility’s well-ke
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The Waterford at Virginia Beach is located in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia, with convenient access to numerous options for shops, dining and entertainment. Residents enjoy the facility’s well-kept, attractive building and sunny courtyard, and give high praise to the dining room’s well-balanced, healthy and delicious meals. Loved ones notice the residents´ happy demeanor and their engagement in frequent activities like bingo, cook-offs, religious services, yoga and regular outings. Apartments include kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms and large windows. Family members appreciate the facility’s homey feel and the friendly, accommodating and attentive staff.
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The Waterford at Virginia Beach is located in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia, with convenient access to numerous options for shops, dining and entertainment. Residents enjoy the facility’s well-ke
… (read more)
The Waterford at Virginia Beach is located in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia, with convenient access to numerous options for shops, dining and entertainment. Residents enjoy the facility’s well-kept, attractive building and sunny courtyard, and give high praise to the dining room’s well-balanced, healthy and delicious meals. Loved ones notice the residents´ happy demeanor and their engagement in frequent activities like bingo, cook-offs, religious services, yoga and regular outings. Apartments include kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms and large windows. Family members appreciate the facility’s homey feel and the friendly, accommodating and attentive staff.
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1628 Old Donation Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454
Atria Virginia Beach is located in the heart of the beautiful resort town of Virginia Beach and is close to the ocean and numerous shopping centers. Residents and visitors rate this community very hig
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Atria Virginia Beach is located in the heart of the beautiful resort town of Virginia Beach and is close to the ocean and numerous shopping centers. Residents and visitors rate this community very highly for their compassionate, well-trained and caring staff who are always ready to assist the residents with anything from getting dressed to taking their medication. Atria Virginia Beach receives praise for their wide range of activities offered including gardening classes, cooking classes, arts and crafts and yoga. Loved ones and residents often comment on the beautiful new buildings and spacious gardens of this facility.
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Atria Virginia Beach is located in the heart of the beautiful resort town of Virginia Beach and is close to the ocean and numerous shopping centers. Residents and visitors rate this community very hig
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Atria Virginia Beach is located in the heart of the beautiful resort town of Virginia Beach and is close to the ocean and numerous shopping centers. Residents and visitors rate this community very highly for their compassionate, well-trained and caring staff who are always ready to assist the residents with anything from getting dressed to taking their medication. Atria Virginia Beach receives praise for their wide range of activities offered including gardening classes, cooking classes, arts and crafts and yoga. Loved ones and residents often comment on the beautiful new buildings and spacious gardens of this facility.
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2077 S. Independence Boulevard , Virginia Beach, VA, 23453
The woman I met at Harmony at Independence was terrific and very knowledgeable. The place was clean, very well kept and very nice. The problem is they were unable to assist my husband with meals, and
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The woman I met at Harmony at Independence was terrific and very knowledgeable. The place was clean, very well kept and very nice. The problem is they were unable to assist my husband with meals, and they said the only thing they could do is cut them up small. They do arts and crafts, movies and music. The rooms were average and were just bedrooms, not a studio nor an apartment.
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The woman I met at Harmony at Independence was terrific and very knowledgeable. The place was clean, very well kept and very nice. The problem is they were unable to assist my husband with meals, and
… (read more)
The woman I met at Harmony at Independence was terrific and very knowledgeable. The place was clean, very well kept and very nice. The problem is they were unable to assist my husband with meals, and they said the only thing they could do is cut them up small. They do arts and crafts, movies and music. The rooms were average and were just bedrooms, not a studio nor an apartment.
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2629 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA, 23456
I have chosen Bickford of Virginia Beach for my mother because the entire facility is secure. The facility is clean. The staff is great. They are very warm and welcoming. The location is also near my
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I have chosen Bickford of Virginia Beach for my mother because the entire facility is secure. The facility is clean. The staff is great. They are very warm and welcoming. The location is also near my parents’ doctors and hospital. They have a salon and courtyard.
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I have chosen Bickford of Virginia Beach for my mother because the entire facility is secure. The facility is clean. The staff is great. They are very warm and welcoming. The location is also near my
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I have chosen Bickford of Virginia Beach for my mother because the entire facility is secure. The facility is clean. The staff is great. They are very warm and welcoming. The location is also near my parents’ doctors and hospital. They have a salon and courtyard.
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440 North Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452
Commonwealth Senior Living at King’s Grant House is a senior living facility that offers assisted living and memory care services in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia. Residents and visitors give hig
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Commonwealth Senior Living at King’s Grant House is a senior living facility that offers assisted living and memory care services in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks for a great staff that even joins in on the fun of weekly family nights. Residents enjoy art classes, pampering sessions at the on-site beauty and barber shop, a screened porch area and several day rooms where holiday parties and afternoon movie breaks are held. Residents and their loved ones also give high marks to this facility for cleanliness and a great location.
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Commonwealth Senior Living at King’s Grant House is a senior living facility that offers assisted living and memory care services in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia. Residents and visitors give hig
… (read more)
Commonwealth Senior Living at King’s Grant House is a senior living facility that offers assisted living and memory care services in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks for a great staff that even joins in on the fun of weekly family nights. Residents enjoy art classes, pampering sessions at the on-site beauty and barber shop, a screened porch area and several day rooms where holiday parties and afternoon movie breaks are held. Residents and their loved ones also give high marks to this facility for cleanliness and a great location.
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937 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455
Clean environment, professionally structured around the clock care. Warm and welcoming staff. Therapeutic activities with spa notions. I think this place does not show what it has. Life stations are b
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Clean environment, professionally structured around the clock care. Warm and welcoming staff. Therapeutic activities with spa notions. I think this place does not show what it has. Life stations are beautifully designed. Everything is designed for the best interest of the residents. Very nice!
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Clean environment, professionally structured around the clock care. Warm and welcoming staff. Therapeutic activities with spa notions. I think this place does not show what it has. Life stations are b
… (read more)
Clean environment, professionally structured around the clock care. Warm and welcoming staff. Therapeutic activities with spa notions. I think this place does not show what it has. Life stations are beautifully designed. Everything is designed for the best interest of the residents. Very nice!
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649 Copper Kettle Dr., Virginia Beach, VA, 23464
We moved my sister from a large franchised facility. Her care improved exponentially in every aspect. Clara is so knowledgeable about all things dealing with elder care and nursing care in general. It
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We moved my sister from a large franchised facility. Her care improved exponentially in every aspect. Clara is so knowledgeable about all things dealing with elder care and nursing care in general. It’s HOME with the care and services needed for elderly, those with dementia, and those with medical needs. It’s like having family take care of family!
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We moved my sister from a large franchised facility. Her care improved exponentially in every aspect. Clara is so knowledgeable about all things dealing with elder care and nursing care in general. It
… (read more)
We moved my sister from a large franchised facility. Her care improved exponentially in every aspect. Clara is so knowledgeable about all things dealing with elder care and nursing care in general. It’s HOME with the care and services needed for elderly, those with dementia, and those with medical needs. It’s like having family take care of family!
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1853 Old Donation Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA, 23454
It was aesthetically nice. It had a little barber shop. It was pleasing to the eye, and it looked homey. The staff member was friendly and very caring. It was very clean. They had a really good calend
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It was aesthetically nice. It had a little barber shop. It was pleasing to the eye, and it looked homey. The staff member was friendly and very caring. It was very clean. They had a really good calendar of events. It’s secure, light, and bright. I would live there.
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It was aesthetically nice. It had a little barber shop. It was pleasing to the eye, and it looked homey. The staff member was friendly and very caring. It was very clean. They had a really good calend
… (read more)
It was aesthetically nice. It had a little barber shop. It was pleasing to the eye, and it looked homey. The staff member was friendly and very caring. It was very clean. They had a really good calendar of events. It’s secure, light, and bright. I would live there.
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440 North Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452
4225 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455
Bay Lake Retirement and Assisted Living Community is located in Virginia Beach, just a few blocks away from the crashing waves and sandy beach. Residents often mention the full calendar of on-site act
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Bay Lake Retirement and Assisted Living Community is located in Virginia Beach, just a few blocks away from the crashing waves and sandy beach. Residents often mention the full calendar of on-site activities and easy access to a local swimming pool and gym. Trips to the golf course, shopping centers or other entertainment options are always in the works, and residents continually compliment the stunning beauty of the apartments and communal spaces. Visitors often mention the delicious meals served communally in the dining room or delivered via room service.
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Bay Lake Retirement and Assisted Living Community is located in Virginia Beach, just a few blocks away from the crashing waves and sandy beach. Residents often mention the full calendar of on-site act
… (read more)
Bay Lake Retirement and Assisted Living Community is located in Virginia Beach, just a few blocks away from the crashing waves and sandy beach. Residents often mention the full calendar of on-site activities and easy access to a local swimming pool and gym. Trips to the golf course, shopping centers or other entertainment options are always in the works, and residents continually compliment the stunning beauty of the apartments and communal spaces. Visitors often mention the delicious meals served communally in the dining room or delivered via room service.
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5620 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23455
The Gardens of Virginia Beach provides assisted living in a homelike atmosphere in Virginia Beach. The overall cleanliness of the facility as well as the friendly, helpful and competent staff all earn
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The Gardens of Virginia Beach provides assisted living in a homelike atmosphere in Virginia Beach. The overall cleanliness of the facility as well as the friendly, helpful and competent staff all earn high marks from residents and their loved ones alike. Residents praise the facility’s policy of providing all-day dining, which allows them to enjoy meals on their own schedule rather than having to adhere to specific times, and they also appreciate the variety of menu items available. The Gardens of Virginia Beach features an on-site beauty salon and craft room.
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The Gardens of Virginia Beach provides assisted living in a homelike atmosphere in Virginia Beach. The overall cleanliness of the facility as well as the friendly, helpful and competent staff all earn
… (read more)
The Gardens of Virginia Beach provides assisted living in a homelike atmosphere in Virginia Beach. The overall cleanliness of the facility as well as the friendly, helpful and competent staff all earn high marks from residents and their loved ones alike. Residents praise the facility’s policy of providing all-day dining, which allows them to enjoy meals on their own schedule rather than having to adhere to specific times, and they also appreciate the variety of menu items available. The Gardens of Virginia Beach features an on-site beauty salon and craft room.
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3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451
Westminster Canterbury Chesap is an assisted living facility located right on the beach near Interstate 279 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s near the Bayville Golf Club, and has spectacular water vie
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Westminster Canterbury Chesap is an assisted living facility located right on the beach near Interstate 279 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s near the Bayville Golf Club, and has spectacular water views. Residents at Westminster Canterbury Chesap give this facility high praise for the cruise-like atmosphere. They can pick their own rooms, with options that overlook the water, and the staff are reported to be very kind, attentive and hardworking. Some of the activities include live music, dances, swimming and picnics. Family and residents note that the facility is always clean and well-kept.
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Westminster Canterbury Chesap is an assisted living facility located right on the beach near Interstate 279 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s near the Bayville Golf Club, and has spectacular water vie
… (read more)
Westminster Canterbury Chesap is an assisted living facility located right on the beach near Interstate 279 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s near the Bayville Golf Club, and has spectacular water views. Residents at Westminster Canterbury Chesap give this facility high praise for the cruise-like atmosphere. They can pick their own rooms, with options that overlook the water, and the staff are reported to be very kind, attentive and hardworking. Some of the activities include live music, dances, swimming and picnics. Family and residents note that the facility is always clean and well-kept.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Virginia Beach
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Virginia. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Virginia Beach
The Virginia Department of Social Services licenses and oversees memory care facilities in Virginia Beach and the Old Dominion at large. Administrators of memory care facilities receive licensure from a separate state entity, the Board of Long-Term Care Administrators, a subagency of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach’s overall cost of living is 5.6% higher than the national average and only slightly higher (1.9%) than Virginia’s statewide average. Breaking down the cost of living into several categories, including grocery, health care, utilities, transportation and discretionary spending, housing is disproportionately expensive in Virginia Beach. Here, the median home price ($320,700) is 16% more expensive than the U.S. median ($291,700). Virginia Beach’s above-average home prices may be reflected in memory care costs.
- As its name implies, Virginia Beach does, indeed, share a border with the Atlantic Ocean. Although the Atlantic Ocean is less popular among ocean goers than the Pacific Ocean or Gulf of Mexico due to its dark, dirty, brown appearance, Virginia Beach still has 38 miles of shoreline and 28 miles of public beach — not to mention 29 miles of scenic waterways. Hitting the beach might make for a great supervised outing for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Seniors who plan on retiring in Virginia Beach should be willing to tolerate the city’s air traffic. While air travel and freight is an essential part of Virginia Beach’s economy, listening to military and commercial air traffic can quickly become annoying. Living farther away from the city’s airports is something seniors should consider before moving to Virginia Beach.
- Virginia Beach has below-average crime rates, something that’s rare for many densely populated urban areas. On a scale of 1 to 100, where low scores indicate less crime, Virginia Beach’s violent crime rating is 10.5, less than half the national average of 22.7. The city’s property crime level (33.2), however, is closer to the U.S. average (35.4). Either way, memory care facilities typically maintain tight security, employing features such as closed-circuit camera systems and keycard-only entryways.
- Virginia Beach is widely considered an ideal retirement destination for veterans. Of 200 cities it considered, SmartAsset ranked Virginia Beach as the sixth-best U.S. city for military retirees. WalletHub placed Virginia Beach at the No. 8 spot on its list of the 100 best cities for retiring military members.
Paying for Memory Care in Virginia Beach
There aren’t any authoritative resources on national, state or local memory care costs in the United States. Memory care services are typically offered as an extra service by assisted living facilities; these services generally cost between 20-30% more than standard assisted living care. As such, we’ve estimated the average costs of memory care facilities in Virginia Beach by increasing assisted living facility costs listed on Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey by 25%.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Memory care providers in Virginia Beach charge around $5,863 per month, $700 less than Virginia’s statewide average ($6,563) yet $238 below the national average ($5,625). Elsewhere in the Old Dominion, memory care facilities charge anywhere from $1,543 per month more than those in Virginia Beach (such as in Roanoke: $7,406) to $82 less per month (such as in Lynchburg: $5,781). Harrisonburg ($7,139) averages $1,276 more than in Virginia Beach; Staunton ($5,885) practically matches Virginia Beach’s average, being just $22 costlier.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Nursing home care is Virginia Beach’s costliest senior care option, charging between $8,410 for semiprivate and $9,280 for private accommodations. Home care and home health both cost $4,767 per month in Virginia Beach. Assisted Living is even more reasonable at $4,690. Adult day care is the most affordable, averaging just $1,690 per month for daytime care and supervision.
Nursing Home (semiprivate)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Virginia page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Virginia page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Virginia Beach
As the most populous city in the Old Dominion, Virginia Beach is home to a wealth of services, programs and supports for seniors thinking about enrolling in memory care or who currently live in memory care communities. Local nonprofit organizations and government agencies provide resources such as long-term care resident advocacy, civil legal assistance, Alzheimer’s-oriented senior education programs and health insurance information and assistance.
A service of the Virginia Office of the State, Virginia's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assigns ombudsmen to small districts throughout the state to represent the interests of seniors in memory care facilities. Long-term care ombudsmen visit memory care communities to build relationships with seniors, inform them of their long-term care rights, take complaints from residents or family members and resolve complaints to residents' satisfaction.
The Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia renders no-cost legal assistance to seniors in Virginia Beach, helping clients with a broad range of civil legal issues. Examples of civil matters covered by the organization include public benefit application appeals, estate planning, domestic violence, consumer protection, debt collection and landlord/tenant disputes.
The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program is the state's health insurance assistance program. VICAP provides Medicare beneficiaries with free, unbiased and confidential counseling and assistance. VICAP counselors are experts on the differences between Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap, CCC Plus and long-term care insurance, helping seniors understand the differences between these options and ultimately select which policies are best for them.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is Virginia Beach's Area Agency on Aging. Aside from services covered by other organizations above, such as Medicare counseling, SSSV offers senior-oriented wellness classes, runs the Hayden Village Center and provides senior-inclusive public transportation options. Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia also runs several senior nutrition programs.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Oregon are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Virginia page for more information about these laws.
